Eyelash extensions: The high-maintenance beauty service for the low-maintenance person
Once thought of as a beauty treatment only reserved for glamorous celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, eyelash extensions have now made their way into the mainstream.
Once thought of as a beauty treatment reserved only for glamorous celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, eyelash extensions have now made their way into the mainstream.
Out of both curiosity and a need to cut down my morning makeup routine, I decided to give them a try. After reading about LashBee, a new eyelash extension company that partners with existing Philly salons (their first being Anju Threads at 12th and Walnut streets), I booked my appointment for a full set of lashes.
LashBee founders Anjali Bhatia and Erin Soletski are Wharton grads changing the way eyelash extensions are applied and made. From perfecting application techniques to working with their product engineer for a higher quality, safe, longer lasting eyelash, Bhatia and Soletski are reinventing the eyelash extension industry.
"Essentially, we've worked to make our lash extensions look stunningly natural, and feel lightweight," says Bhatia.
Bhatia applied my faux mink extensions herself (there are four styles ranging from super natural to full out glam), while giving me the scoop on how to have the best experience with your eyelash extensions:
Do your research. There are no regulations in place yet when it comes to applying eyelash extensions. Make sure your stylist is properly trained — eyelash extensions applied correctly will not damage your natural lashes or cause any type of pain or infection.
Come prepared for your appointment. No eye makeup. If you wear contact lenses, you may want to take them off before your appointment. Bhatia explained if you aren't comfortable taking a nap in your contacts, its best to take them off.
The process can take about two hours. And it's a very long two hours if you don't have anything to keep you occupied. Now is the time to catch up on that podcast or e-book you've been meaning to listen to.
After care is important. Be careful to not get your lashes wet for 24 hours following application. Avoid any cleansers or makeup removers that contain oil, as they can loosen the extension adhesive. LashBee sends clients home with a custom aftercare kit that contains everything needed for proper lash care.
Don't freak out when you see lashes falling out. Eyelashes shed naturally. You can expect to lose two to four lashes a day.
Upkeep. You should get your lashes refilled every few weeks. LashBee offers an affordable membership program that allows you to purchase fill time at a discounted rate.
After living with my lashes for two weeks now, I absolutely love them. The initial price and time investment involved is steep, but I love shaving an extra 10 minutes off my makeup routine in the morning and looking polished on the weekends with just some tinted moisturizer and bronzer.
The pricey eyelash extensions I had written off so quickly in the past suddenly didn't sound so bad. As I approach week three and need for a refill, I've already calculated how many Skinny Vanilla Lattes I would have to cut out a week to maintain my lashes (the answer is just about all of them).